Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book!

Wow this was a fascinating book. The way Newman and Ferrell present the rapid evolution of the internet as a tool to weaponize the world's economy was compelling and I couldn't put it down. We often don't think of the physical infrastructure behind the internet, however, it is perhaps the most important part of how the internet works.
The authors meld economics, foreign and domestic policy, international security, and international finance into a fast-paced, compelling tale that at times reads almost like a fictional novel more than a nonfiction book about the world economy. Learning about the SWIFT banking system and how internet data is used in relation to banking and economics was the most interesting part for me. While I didn't always 100% agree with Newman and Ferrell's interpretation of events, the research they did was compelling and I like how the data was presented. Even with the immense amount of research this book conveys, it is always easy to read and the audio production is well done. Definitely worth the read, especially if you are interested in International relations or economics.

I received an advanced copy as an audiobook. It was interesting to listen to. Definitely worth checking out if you have any interest in espionage, digital infrastructure, and the future of information.

I just reviewed Underground Empire by Henry Farrell; Abraham Newman. #NetGalley

Wow! I studied foreign policy in undergrad and this is a huge piece of the puzzle now that I didn't fully comprehend. Farrell and Newman basically explain how the internet's physical infrastructure has affected banking, security, technology, economics, and foreign policy in a way that has supported a US hegemony. This is one of those books that has completely changed the way I view the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc in exchange for an honest review.